As part of their Nashville CBDNA tour, this Friday, the University of Illinois Wind Symphony will perform at Centennial High School at 7pm.

Comprised of approximately 60 undergraduate and graduate students who have attained the highest level of proficiency on their instruments, the Illinois Wind Symphony is the premiere ensemble of the University of Illinois band program. Performing the finest available repertoire, the ensemble’s performances include traditional wind band literature, one-per-part chamber works and premiere performances of new compositions in the ever expanding wind band genre. The ensemble works on the flexible “pool” concept so that each work in the curriculum is staffed with the instrumentation envisioned by the composer. The Illinois Wind Symphony performs a minimum of three concerts per semester, and is among the top ensembles in the band profession in performance standards as well as developing the future in training wind players in a variety of conducted ensemble settings. The performance range of this ensemble includes campus, state, regional, national and international events and venues. The Illinois Wind Symphony is open to music majors and non-majors by audition.

This year, the Illinois Wind Symphony will perform at the national conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) in Nashville, Tennessee on March 28, 2015. Their selection was determined through a ‘blind’ juried process last year. 1991 marked the last time the University of Illinois performed at a CBDNA national convention.

On Thursday, our new chamber group The Franklin Winds, will travel to Indianapolis to participate in the Music for All National Festival. MFA has added a new component, a chamber music festival. Their program is:

Vier Grotesken, by Friedrich Wanek

Old Wine in New Bottles, by Gordon Jacob

We are so proud of them! And congrats to Mr. Jacob Campos, their conductor. The students are:

Here’s the latest summer and fall marching band schedule. The big news is that we are returning to MTSU for the 54th Annual “Contest of Champions” on October 31. Please update your calendars. These changes will soon be reflected on Charms.

The Franklin Band is asking family, friends and alumni to step up to help provide additional uniforms needed to outfit the 2015-16 marching band. This season’s Franklin High School Marching Band is projected to grow from 206 to nearly 250 members. This will require another 40 uniforms in order to be able to accommodate the expanding membership.

Beginning on March 1st, The Franklin Band will conduct a MARCH ON MARCH CHALLENGE with the goal of acquiring the funds to purchase one new uniform each day in the month of March. Citizens, businesses, civic organizations, alumni and friends of The Franklin Band can step up by making a tax-deductible donation of $370 for an entire new uniform or may choose to help purchase a particular element or two — $20 for a plume, $30 for a breastplate, $40 for gauntlets, $50 for a shako (hat), $60 for bibbers (pants) or $170 for a jacket.

Donations by credit card can be made via the band’s website at www.thefranklinband.org or checks can be sent to Franklin High School Band Boosters, 2200 Fieldstone Parkway, #900, PMB 100, Franklin, TN 37069.

In December, The Franklin Band became the first Williamson County band to receive the prestigious Sudler Shield, awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The Sudler Shield purpose is to establish and support international standards of excellence in musical performance, marching execution, choreography and show design for high school, youth or international marching bands and to identify, recognize, and honor outstanding high school, youth and international marching bands who are at a world class level of excellence.

Franklin High joins three other schools across the nation to receive the award in 2014. They are one of only five Tennessee bands ever to win the award. Professor W. Dale Warren, Director of Bands at the University of Arkansas, will be in attendance at The Franklin Band’s spring concert to officially present the award.

In addition, Franklin Band Director David Aydelott received the Legion of Honor Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation in December. The Legion of Honor recognizes outstanding band directors who have maintained school concert band programs of excellent musical quality for a period of at least 20 years and who have held important positions of leadership in their professional organizations in dedicated service to bands.

Most recently, it was announced that Mr. Aydelott has been selected for induction into the MTSU Band of Blue Hall of Fame. Since 1980, the Band of Blue Alumni Club has recognized individuals who have contributed and influenced the growth of the MTSU Band of Blue. The induction ceremony will be Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 7:30 pm in the Wright Music Building on the campus of MTSU.

In December, Franklin Band Director David Aydelott was presented as a John Philip Sousa Foundation Laureate of the Bandworld “Legion of Honor.” The Legion of Honor recognizes outstanding band directors who have maintained school concert band programs of excellent musical quality for a period of at least 20 years and who have held important positions of leadership in their professional organizations in dedicated service to bands.

Most recently, it was announced that Mr. Aydelott has been selected for induction into the MTSU Band of Blue Club Hall of Fame. Since 1980, the Band of Blue Alumni Club has recognized individuals who have contributed and influenced the growth of the MTSU Band of Blue. The induction ceremony will be Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 7:30 pm in the Wright Music Building on the campus of MTSU.

What a great marching season! FX-A Cinematic Xperience was successful in so many ways, especially in the growth of our students. This was the most difficult show we’ve produced, musically and visually. And the kids gave great performances both at football games and at contests resulting in these awards:

Bands of America Louisville Regional

Division I Rating

2nd Place, Class AAA in Preliminary Competition

Outstanding Visual in Finals Competition

2nd Place in Finals Competition

Antioch High School Marching Contest

1st Place in Class

Outstanding Music Award

Outstanding Visual Award

Grand Champion

Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional

Division I Rating

Outstanding Music in Preliminary Competition, Class AAA

Outstanding General Effect in Preliminary Competition, Class AAA

1st Place, Class AAA in Preliminary Competition

5th Place in Finals Competition

Bands of America Grand National Championships

Division I Rating

Semi-Finalist Award

…..And, our 2014 marching band was awarded the SUDLER SHIELD, an international award sponsored by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. Two Texas bands (Claudia Taylor Johnson and Round Rock) and our good friends from Dobyns-Bennett in Kingsport recieved this prestigious award as well. At our Spring Concert on May 3, Professor W. Dale Warren, Chair of the Sudler Shield committee will be on campus to make the official presentation. Mark your calendars!

Congrats to our students, parents, and staff on a great marching season!